by USA TODAY

by USA TODAY

If Billy Bob Thornton's sadistic Fargo character Lorne Malvo were celebrating his Emmy nomination, "He'd probably eat a wolf," jokes Thornton. "I can guarantee you that if Lorne did celebrate it, it would be alone."

In fact, this has been Thornton's juiciest and most fulfilling role in years.

"It feels great. I'm thrilled and humbled by it. Any time you're part of something you're proud of â?? we have a lot of different parts that came together to make a terrific show. It's a thrilling time," says Thornton.

He's dryly funny on the phone.

"I don't get out much. The next time I'll be out will be at the Emmys. I'm kind of a hermit," he says.

"I only have about seven friends and they all get up at 3 p.m. Most of them have probably never seen Fargo. They're happy for you, too. It's good not just for yourself, but the people around you. It's nice for my mom. She'll be thrilled, and my kids."